UK & World News

Racism Claim Halts Manchester City Friendly

A match between Manchester City's under-21 side and a Croatian team has been cancelled after one of the Premier League side's players was allegedly racially abused.

Officials from the reigning league champions decided to withdraw their players after 19-year-old French midfielder Seko Fofana was allegedly abused by an opposition player just before half-time in the game against HNK Rijeka.

HNK Rijeka were leading 1-0 when play was abandoned at the stadium in Novigrad, west Croatia.

A club statement said: "Manchester City's EDS U21 game with HNK Rijeka has today been cancelled due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the club's young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.

"Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further."

HNK Rijeka appeared to distance themselves from the claim, saying in a statement: "Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira entered the field, something was discussed with the referee, and then to the amazement of a well-filled stadium he took his team off the pitch.

"What are the reasons? They are known only to him."

Fofana, a France Under-19 international, joined Manchester City from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient in January 2013.